Fun Fact: Allegany Boasts Best Coffee Shop in the Blue Ridge

Five Allegany County businesses, attractions, and events took home Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine's recently announced ‘Best of Awards’ in its February 2023 issue. This is Blue Ridge Outdoors’ thirteenth annual ‘Best of Awards,’ which consisted of an online nomination then polling process in October of 2022. This year, Blue Ridge Outdoors received 200,000 votes in 50 categories, from best local outdoor experiences, guides and outfitters to best local dining spots and events. Allegany County, Maryland,…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: Allegany Boasts Best Coffee Shop in the Blue Ridge
Fun Fact: What Maryland Community Has a Light Display That Attracts Visitors From All Over the World?

This week, a fun fact from the archives! Photo Credit: Lacy Kraszewski On the 700 block of 34th Street (between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road) in Baltimore City's Hampden neighborhood, residents of the three-story row homes celebrate the Christmas holiday every year with the “Miracle on 34th Street.” Homeowners on both sides of the street decorate their houses with thousands of lights and Christmas decorations, attracting visitors from all over the world. From the Hampden…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: What Maryland Community Has a Light Display That Attracts Visitors From All Over the World?
Fun Fact: The First African American Alderman

William Henry Butler was the first Black elected official in Maryland, serving as Alderman on the Annapolis City Council from 1873 to 1875. Courtesy MD State Archives William Butler was a skilled carpenter and landowner who came to Annapolis in the 1860s. Over the years, he purchased over 25 properties in the City of Annapolis including 148 Duke of Gloucester Street in 1863. He was one of the wealthiest free blacks living in Annapolis at…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: The First African American Alderman
Fun Fact: Maryland’s First Settlers

In March 1634, the first English settlers arrived at St. Clement’s Island in St. Mary's County aboard the Ark and the Dove. Although the English laid claim to the land for a new colony, St. Clement’s Island was part of a large landscape that had been inhabited by the Piscataway people for thousands of years. The colonists lingered there for a few weeks, while English leaders met with Piscataway leaders. Then, having decided that the 400-acre island was…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: Maryland’s First Settlers
Fun Fact: This is Halloween

Explore some chilling county history with these Conduit Street Fun Facts from the archives. Fun Fact: What Famous Actor Is Buried in an Unmarked Grave in Carroll County?Fun Fact: Which County Hosts a Spooky Singing Ghost?Fun Fact: Did You Know that the Largest Ship Graveyard in the Western Hemisphere is in Charles County?Fun Fact: Did You Know that Johns Hopkins Hospital Was Built On An Old Insane Asylum?Fun Fact: The Ouija Board Capital of MarylandFun…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: This is Halloween
Fun Fact: Falling for Fall Foliage

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources features a weekly fall foliage report every year starting in September. The department highlights the trees’ transition each week with reports from experts with Maryland state forests and parks. The reports also include photos from various counties submitted by outdoor enthusiasts who capture the changing colors. The colors of the foliage, the length of time it lasts, and how soon the leaves will change all depend on the weather, primarily rainfall…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: Falling for Fall Foliage
Fun Fact: Oh Shucks! Time for the U.S. Oyster Festival

St. Mary's County is home to the 56th Annual U.S. Oyster Festival October 15-16, 2022. Home of the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship and the National Oyster Cook Off, the 56th Annual U.S. Oyster Festival is a wonderful tradition in Southern Maryland. Fresh, local oysters, artists, music, family fun, and live entertainment abound October 15-16 at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, Maryland. Tickets are $15 for one day or $20 for a two-day…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: Oh Shucks! Time for the U.S. Oyster Festival
Fun Fact: Autumn is for Apples

Apple orchards are located in most areas of Maryland with a concentration of orchards in Washington, Frederick, and adjoining counties. Baugher's Orchards and Farm in Westminster, MD Autumn is for apples, and there are 205 apple orchards in Maryland, with many that offer pick-your-own. There are over 15 varieties grown in the state, and they are harvested between August and November each year. However, growing apples is a year-round process. Growers plant the trees in…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: Autumn is for Apples
Fun Fact: The Oldest Winery in Maryland

Bonded in 1945, Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County is Maryland's oldest winery. Courtesy Boordy Vineyards Boordy Vineyard was originally owned and operated by Philip and Jocelyn Wagner of Baltimore. The first legal vintage of Boordy wine was bottled by Jocelyn in 1945, and it was the first vineyard to import Vidal Blank grapes into the U.S. Their Landmark Series wines are made in limited quantities and are sourced from 100% Maryland grown grapes, principally from…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: The Oldest Winery in Maryland
Fun Fact: A Beacon of Hope

The new Harriet Tubman sculpture "Beacon of Hope" was dedicated in Dorchester County this month. Image courtesy I Love Dorchester County Harriet Tubman was known as the Moses of her people. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, she led nearly 70 slaves to freedom, making 13 separate trips to Maryland. Tubman also served as a scout, spy, guerrilla soldier, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. Artist Wesley Wofford wanted to…

Comments Off on Fun Fact: A Beacon of Hope